By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Kampala, Uganda – A 27-year-old man, Mawa Taban, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for attacking his friend, Oyirwoth Ivan, with acid. Taban thought Ivan stole his boss’s TV.
The attack happened on March 26, 2024, in Kanisa Zone, Nakawa Division, Kampala District.
Taban tricked Ivan into meeting him, saying he had a job for him. But instead, Taban beat Ivan with a chain lock and a panga, and then poured acid on him.
Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi of Buganda Road Court delivered the sentence. “The convict was merciless,” he said. “He showed no respect for human life.”
Ivan suffered severe burns covering 98% of his body, including his private parts. He remains in critical condition.
Taban pleaded guilty to attempted murder. Court records show Ivan had deep wounds near his heart and lungs.
Magistrate Kayizzi said, “I could have given Taban the death sentence. But because he showed remorse and pleaded guilty, I gave him a lesser sentence.”
Taban’s time in remand, five months and five days, was deducted from his sentence. He now faces 24 years, six months, and 17 days in prison. Taban has 15 days to appeal.